DGCA Proposes 48-Hour Free Cancellation & Faster Refunds to Ease Holiday Planning

Travellers and holidaymakers may soon find it easier — and safer — to plan their trips. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has proposed a new set of passenger-friendly rules that could revolutionize how Indians book their flights.

According to the DGCA’s draft Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR), passengers will now enjoy a 48-hour “look-in” period after booking their flight tickets. During this time, they can cancel or modify their booking without any cancellation fee, giving travellers a major confidence boost when planning holidays or business trips.

This proposal could be a game-changer for India’s travel and tourism industry, which often faces last-minute cancellations and refund disputes, especially during peak travel seasons.

How It Benefits Travellers & Tourism

• Flexible trip planning: Travellers booking domestic flights at least five days in advance or international flights 15 days before departure can now modify or cancel bookings freely within the first 48 hours.
• Encourages early bookings: Tourists planning long itineraries — like pilgrimage tours, adventure trips, or family vacations — can book confidently without worrying about heavy cancellation penalties.
• Faster refunds: Airlines will have to process refunds within 21 working days, even for tickets booked through travel agents. This will help restore trust among frequent travellers and tour operators.
• Error protection: Passengers can also correct name errors within 24 hours of booking (on direct airline portals) without any additional charge — a common issue in group and family travel bookings.

“Such measures will encourage more people to plan holidays in advance and book responsibly, knowing that they have a short grace period to make changes,” said a senior travel consultant from [Your Business Name].

A Push Towards Consumer-Friendly Air Travel

The DGCA’s initiative aligns with India’s broader efforts to make air travel and tourism more accessible, transparent, and hassle-free.
The aviation body has invited public feedback on the draft till November 30, 2025, after which the new rules may become part of the Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR).
(Source: The Times of India)

Once approved, these reforms are expected to simplify flight bookings — a key factor in boosting domestic and international tourism.

What It Means for the Travel Industry

For tour operators, travel agencies, and online booking platforms, this is a chance to offer more flexible and customer-friendly booking experiences.

• Tour companies can encourage early bookings for holiday packages, assuring customers that plans can be adjusted easily.
• It may also reduce refund-related disputes, enhancing trust between agencies and clients.
• With a clear DGCA-backed refund policy, the tourism ecosystem becomes more transparent and efficient.

Industry Outlook

Travel experts believe the move could help revive tourism confidence post-pandemic, making flight-based travel less stressful and more consumer-centric.

“Flexibility has become a key demand for modern travellers. This DGCA proposal directly supports that — it’s a win-win for both passengers and the tourism sector,”.

Summary

• 48-hour free cancellation window for bookings made well in advance.
• 21-day mandatory refund period for all cancelled tickets.
• Free name correction within 24 hours of booking.
• Public feedback open till November 30, 2025.
   

These reforms are set to make India’s tourism and air travel ecosystem smoother, safer, and more traveller-friendly.

At Zentrail, we welcome the DGCA’s move towards flexible flight bookings. Our goal is to help travellers plan smarter, save money, and explore the world without worry. Stay tuned with us for the latest travel updates and insights.